Doctor insights on:
Botox Good For Tension Headaches

1

Of course:
The Botox injections are being increasingly used in pain management. They have been advocated as a preventive treatment for both migraine and tension-type headaches with some studies showing a reduction in the frequency, severity and disability associated with these headaches.
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injection (Definition)

Botox is a medicine that causes muscles to relax. It is commonly used to improve the appearance of deep facial lines or wrinkles between the eyebrows. It is also used to relieve migraine, and in certain conditions that involve muscle spasm.
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2

It might help:
Use of Botox injections into the muscle trigger points may allow them to release the muscle to relax and reduce the pain from this fatigued tissue. It has been used on various sites in head and neck. Sometimes a local anesthetic is used on these points. However, controlling or eliminating the causes for your tension headaches need to be addressed. Another aid would be a cranio-sacral massage.
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3

Yes:
Botox recently has been approved to treat frequent migraine headaches and some insurances will cover it. I have seen relief using Botox for tension headaches as well but the treatment would typically be fee for service.
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4

Meds reduce headache:
Many different drugs with diverse pharmacological actions are used to treat an acute headache.
Drug therapy for tension headaches or mild-to-moderate migraines usually starts with acetaminophen, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids)…ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.
For moderate to severe migraine attacks, the "triptans" or ergot alkaloids are typically used. For more severe headaches.
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5

No more.:
It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage and definitely not exceed it. Based on your physiology and pain tolerance, taking less than the recommended dose is acceptable as long as it works at that dosage.
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6

? Muscles?:
Many "tension" headaches are caused by knots in the muscles. If the muscle is the cause, what is causing the muscle pain and what muscles are involved. If the headaches are on the side of your head, put your fingers over where you have the headaches and see if it is the muscles. If so, check into the bite, muscle, joint relationships to see if this is part of the cause.
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7

Feeling Good:
There are several types of depression. Reactive depression occurs as a result of loss and eventually we adjust. If one does not adjust or if the cause is not clear certainly seek professional help. "feeling good" by david burns is an excellent self-help book based on science. Don't let the thickness of it intimidate you. Take it bit by bit. The very best to you.
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8

Human responses:
You are a human being, not a machine that can be calibrated and put on auto-pilot. Humans are constantly shifting and dealing with change, and not every stimulus is a gentle one. Your systems are in continuous flux so that overall, you're stable. Your symptoms show there are some things you're sensitive to -- whether other people, the things they do, or other. Work in therapy on these issues.
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10

What is happening :
in your life? Are you stressed at work? Dealing with family problems? Worried about a family member or friend? You daytime stresses may be invading your sleep. Consider talking to a psychologist to search for ways to reduce stress or cope with life's challenges.
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11

What is what?:
If you're having migraine and/or tension headaches, then you're having migraine or tension headaches. That's what it is. If that's your true diagnosis, then the MRI, Ct and blood tests were completely unnecessary and a waste of time, resources and needless radiation exposure of your brain. You need to educate yourself about headaches.
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12

Multiple modalities:
Practicing pranayama (breathing exercises) in the acute phase can alleviate a tension headache. Practicing on a regular basis can prevent them. can also be very helpful. Regular exercise, sound sleep, yoga, and meditation help too. Acupuncture. Addressing the root cause of what is causing you to feel tense is the most important thing you can do.
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13

Unknown!:
Tension headaches are characterized by dull, non-pulsatile discomfort on both sides of the temples and forehead. Typically last for 30-60 min or for days. Affect at least 40% of adults in any given year. Occur most commonly in the early morning and late afternoon. The morning variety is often triggered by lack of sleep, awkward sleeping positions, hangovers and caffeinewithdrawal. Cause unknown!
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15

Well you might feel:
Tension or stress prior to developing the full blown headache. Headaches are complex. Sometimes you notice certain things happen prior to your getting a headache. This should be reported to your doctor. Sometimes you get an aura - a sensation prior to a headache. Report this to your doctor....
There are so many headaches. The more information you provide makes a better diagnosis.
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17

How old is she?:
The first question is how old is your daughter? Addressing the root cause of what is causing you to feel tense is the most important thing you can do. How was she diagnosed with tension headaches? Does she have any other past medical history? Is she taking any medications?
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18

Not with tension HA:
If one has low platelets causing petechiae and now also has headache- we need to make sure that this person does not have intracranial bleeding. Off course it will depend on how low is the platelet level, if your platelet is very low- 10k or below- you could have spontaneous bleeding- and it can happen anywhere including intracranial bleeding. Petechiae not related to tension headache.
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20

Not likely :
Tension headaches are due to tension in muscles in the head & neck usually as a result of stress, poor posture, new activities which place more tension on muscles around the head & neck. Tension relaxing exercises, massage, heat on neck muscles may improve your symptoms substantially. If ever there is a new change or worsening of symptoms, you should see your physician (history of a brain lesion).
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